Six: Drum Major G. A. Scotland, Cameron Highlanders

Queen’s Sudan 1896-98 (3614 Drumr. G. Scotland. 1/Cam: Hdrs.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (3614 Dmr: G. A. Scotland, 1: Cam’n: H’drs:); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (3614 Corpl: G. Scotland. Cameron Highrs:); British War Medal 1914-20 (3614 Sjt G. Scotland Cam’n Highrs.) partially officially corrected; Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (3614 Sjt: Dmr: G. A. Scotland. Cam: Hdrs.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, The Atbara (3614 Dr. Scotland 1 Cam. Highrs.) contemporary Regimental engraved naming, heavy contact marks, edge bruising, nearly very fine (6) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Musicians formed by the Late Llewellyn Lord.

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George A. ‘Dod’ Scotland was born in the Regiment at Town Range, Gibraltar, in 1880, his father being Colour-Sergeant of ‘F’ Company, Cameron Highlanders, and enlisted into the Cameron Highlanders on 16 July 1894 at Inverness, from the Royal Hibernian Military School. Posted to the 1st Battalion in February 1895, he served with them continuously until September 1918, at Gibraltar; in Egypt, where he was one of the two Boys from the Regiment who went up the Nile and was present at the Battle of the Atbara and at Omdurman (also entitled to clasp for Khartoum); in Cyprus; and in South Africa, where he served in the Mounted Infantry Company, and was Mentioned in Lord Roberts’ Despatch of 4 September 1901 as having ‘rendered special and meritorious service’ during the Boer War (London Gazette 10 September 1901). Having been promoted Drum Major on 24 March 1903, succeeding his brother Peter, he served continuously throughout the Great War on the Western Front. (also entitled to 1914 Star with clasp, and Victory Medal). He transferred to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion in September 1918, and was discharged on 2 April 1920. The 79th News contains the following account, written on the completion of his 25 and a half years’ continuous service, ‘Destined to become one of the senior N.C.O.’s of the Regiment, he proved to be one of the most loyal and devoted. He was a fine example of the Regiment, a strong disciplinarian, and one of the most experienced Sergeant-Drummers in the service. The high state of efficiency which was maintained by the Drums whilst under his charge is the best testimony to his abilities.’ Following his discharge he continued to serve his Regiment as Depot Orderly Room Clerk, in a civil capacity, before his death on 22 June 1930.

Scotland’s nephew, Drum Major P. F. W. Scotland, also served with the Cameron Highlanders, and went to France as Drum Major of the 1st Battalion in 1939, using the same parade stick that his uncle had used when he went to France as Drum Major of the 1st Battalion in 1914.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient.